As a church, we recently developed a logo and I thought I would take a moment to explain the key concepts found in it.

The base of the logo represents an open Bible. The Bible is an essential part of our church. We need the Word of God. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4 ESV). "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV).

In the center of the logo represents the cross of Christ. The cross is another essential part of the church. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1:18 ESV). The cross represents the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was on the cross where Jesus, "died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Cor 15:3 ESV). As a church we want to have the same mentality as the Apostle Paul who said, "Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Gal 6:14 ESV).

Radiating out from the cross are different sizes and colors of leaves representing a variety of people who have experienced new life in Christ. Christ died that we may live. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10 ESV). "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17 ESV). The cross is where Christ gave his life so that we may have life. This new life in Christ is something given to all who receive him and is offered to all no matter their ethnicity, gender or social status. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) and the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people (Titus 2:11). There is room for a variety of people in the Church if there is a unity in Christ.

It is through the Word of God that we learn about the Cross of Christ. It is through the Cross of Christ we can receive forgiveness of sins and New Life. It is through New Life in Christ that we are to go forth to serve God.

Something to think about...

Glory and Praise to God

Grace and Peace to you,

Pastor Jeff Poppinga